NAMS 2002 Workshop - ICOM 2008

conclusion is based on (i) in-situ observations on the fouling accumulation and
velocity distribution profiles using NMR, (ii) in-situ visual observations on the
fouling accumulation using the monitor sight glass and (iii) the development of
pressure drop and biomass in monitors with and without feed spacer.
In summary, biofouling is a feed spacer problem. The membrane fouling
simulator in combination with NMR measurements are suitable measurement
tools for in-situ, real-time and non-destructive studies of the biofouling formation
process in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. Biofouling research
should be focused on the feed spacer (channel) so that biomass accumulation
has low(er) impact on the feed channel pressure drop.
Literature
[1] Ridgway, H.F. (2003). Biological fouling of separation membranes used in water treatment
applications, AWWA research foundation.
[2] Characklis, W.G., Marshall, K.C. (1990) Biofilms. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
[3] Vrouwenvelder, J.S. van Paassen, J.A.M., Wessels, L.P., van Dam A.F., Bakker, S.M. (2006).
The Membrane Fouling Simulator: a practical tool for fouling prediction and control. Journal of
Membrane Science. 281, 316- 324.
[4] Graf von der Schulenburg, D.A., Vrouwenvelder, J.S., Creber, S.A., Van Loosdrecht, M.C.M.,
Gladden L.F., Johns, M.L. (to be submitted). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance microscopy studies of
membrane biofouling.